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ABC of Online Consumer Disclosure Duties: Improving Transparency and Legal Certainty in Europe

Author

Listed:
  • J. Luzak

    (University of Exeter Law School
    University of Amsterdam)

  • A. J. Wulf

    (SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences)

  • O. Seizov

    (SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences)

  • M. B. M. Loos

    (University of Amsterdam)

  • M. Junuzović

    (University of Amsterdam
    The Dutch Authority for Financial Markets)

Abstract

Following a series of complimentary studies assessing the current application of the principle of transparency of consumer information in Croatia, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, and the UK, this paper presents research findings on how to improve its effectiveness. Documented differences in national laws and practice indicate the need for a more harmonised approach on the level of the European Union. This demand also arises from the interviews the research team has conducted with various national stakeholders. Whilst the legislative transparency requirements could remain general, e.g., a duty for traders to provide consumer information in “plain and intelligible language,” traders, consumers, and enforcement authorities all require more legal certainty as to what amounts to compliance with these requirements. Based on the stakeholders’ suggestions, an interdisciplinary literature review, findings from doctrinal, comparative legal research, and a conducted quantitative study, the paper recommends empirically motivated, multimodal guidelines to implement textual, contextual, and technical measures.

Suggested Citation

  • J. Luzak & A. J. Wulf & O. Seizov & M. B. M. Loos & M. Junuzović, 2023. "ABC of Online Consumer Disclosure Duties: Improving Transparency and Legal Certainty in Europe," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 46(3), pages 307-333, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jcopol:v:46:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1007_s10603-023-09543-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s10603-023-09543-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yannis Bakos & Florencia Marotta-Wurgler & David R. Trossen, 2014. "Does Anyone Read the Fine Print? Consumer Attention to Standard-Form Contracts," The Journal of Legal Studies, University of Chicago Press, vol. 43(1), pages 1-35.
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    3. Konstantinos Evangelinos & Antonis Skouloudis & Nikoleta Jones & David Isaac & Eleni Sfakianaki, 2016. "Exploring the status of corporate social responsibility disclosure in the UK building and construction industry," International Journal of Global Environmental Issues, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 15(4), pages 377-399.
    4. Jeanne M. Hogarth & Ellen A. Merry, 2011. "Designing disclosures to inform consumer financial decisionmaking: lessons learned from consumer testing," Federal Reserve Bulletin, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.), vol. 97(August), August.
    5. O. Seizov & A. J. Wulf & J. Luzak, 2019. "The Transparent Trap: A Multidisciplinary Perspective on the Design of Transparent Online Disclosures in the EU," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 42(1), pages 149-173, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. J. Ouyang, 2024. "“Embedded Consumer”: Towards a Constitutional Reframing of the Legal Image of Consumers in EU law," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 47(3), pages 395-423, September.
    2. N. Gokani, 2024. "Healthier Food Choices: From Consumer Information to Consumer Empowerment in EU Law," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 47(2), pages 271-296, June.

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